Police seize suspected drugs and handgun after executing search warrants

February 26, 2025

Seven people — five from the Greater Toronto Area — after police executed search warrants that resulted in the seizure of suspected drugs and a handgun.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit officers executed warrants at a residence on Windsor Street and at a residence on Picton Avenue on the evening of Tuesday, February 26. The warrants had been obtained as a result of an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity.

 

Searches of both residences resulted in the seizures of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, along with cash and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. A handgun was seized from one of the locations.

 

A total of seven individuals were arrested and taken into custody.

 

Jante Richard EXCELL, 24, of North York; Vernon Joseph MOONIAS, 53, of Thunder Bay; Richard SMART-CURTIS, 28, of North York; Keyshon THOMAS-MORRIS, 22, of North York, are charged with the following:

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5,000

•             Careless Storage of a Firearm

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

•             Knowledge of Possession of Unauthorized Firearm

 

THOMAS-MORRIS is also charged with Breach of Release Order and Breach of Undertaking.

 

Moses MERCHANT, 19, of North York; Jahdai TAPPER, 19, of Toronto; and Vanessa Celeste UCHACZ, 44, of Thunder Bay, are charged with the following:

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

•             Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5,000

 

UCHACZ is also charged with Breach of Release Order.

 

The accused appeared in court on Wednesday and all have been remanded into custody with future appearance dates.

Fraud Friday: Fraudulent Door-to-Door Canvassers

November 15, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to stay vigilant following reports of people going door-to-door claiming to represent the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has confirmed that they are not conducting any door-to-door canvassing. Residents are urged not to provide money or personal information to anyone visiting your home claiming to be collecting donations for the Salvation Army. Legitimate volunteers with the Salvation Army are collecting donations at retail locations through their Christmas Kettle Campaign. The Canadian Red Cross has confirmed that they had been conducting legitimate door-to-door fundraising. That campaign was scheduled to end today. Residents should note the following identifiers of legitimate Red Cross canvassers: • They wear red vests. • They are knowledgeable about Red Cross programs. • They ask for electronic donations only — no cash or cheques are accepted. • They carry official identification, including a manager’s contact information on the back. Police encourage residents to use caution with any unsolicited door-to-door requests. When in doubt, do not provide payment or personal details. Instead, contact the organization directly through verified phone numbers or websites. Anyone who encounters suspicious canvassers or believes they may have been targeted by a scam should report it to police by calling 807-684-1200.

Online Extortion investigation leads to arrest

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“Road rage” results in collision, charges and suspended licences

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